A Silver Locket

How to Avoid A Valentine's Day Disaster!

Valentine's Day is another one of those tricky holidays. It isn't like St. Patrick's Day or Groundhog Day. It isn't as easy as Fourth of July or Easter. Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that you have something to prove. If you fall short - well you may be sporting a new date next Valentine's Day so you need to handle this holiday with care.

Shopping is one of my specialties! I might be able to help you avoid a disaster by sharing a few simple ideas to impress your date. You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a perfect Valentine's Day, this is one of those "thought that counts" kinda holidays.

This is one of those holidays that can feel like a trap. If you ask your girl friend what she wants for Valentine's Day - she is likely to say, "oh you don't have to get me anything!" Do not fall for that! It is a TEST! I think so many girls say that and then they get mad when their date doesn't put forth much effort toward getting a gift. Guys are literal creatures. Don't say you don't want anything and then get mad if he doesn't get you anything after all - he was following your directions! You should just say, "surprise me!"

For the men that are currently in relationships - the pressure is on! What you decide to get for Valentines Day could make or break your relationship. This particular gift might be looked upon as the measuring stick of your love. Your girl friend may be expecting you to pop the question! If you do love your girlfriend and you aren't sure about that yet - save yourself! You can buy your girlfriend a promise ring.

A promise ring is given to signify that you have a commitment for just about any promise you would like to make. You could offer it as a promise for a future marriage proposal or the simple promise of the commitment you have made to your girlfriend. These rings can be bought for under ten dollars or they can be quite extravagant. This gift is sure to be a great choice if you really care about the girl you are seeing.

A silver locket necklace is also a romantic choice that is sure to please. The heart shaped locket is supposed to represent one's heart resting upon another.

For the Ladies

Men do want Valentine's Day gifts - they just don't admit it and they do not want roses. I love to buy my husband tickets to sporting events - or concerts that I know he loves. I always check out ticket masters to see what is going on in my area. I have even bought tickets for him and his brother to go to sporting events out of town including a beach front hotel room for a weekend. I try to take advantage of flight and hotel deals and can manage to do this at a reasonable cost.

Depending upon the city you live in - there may be car shows, gun or knife shows or auctions that are fun to go to in your area. Do something he likes to do - even if it isn't your favorite thing to spend your time doing. You might end up having more fun than you thought you would.

Men - no matter how macho they are - do like the gesture of love. Buying his favorite music (not yours) would probably be appreciated. Many guys are still big kids. I bought my husband a remote control dune buggy one year and he loved it!

Guys love their cars! Buy a package to have his automobile detailed or if you want to spend less you could just have it washed and vacuumed at a service. New seat covers, floor mats or a nice leather steering wheel cover make good gifts. If you think about what your love interest is interested in - it shoudn't be to hard to surprise him with something thoughtful that shows him that you care.

Source

For those of you who are broke....

The actual origin of Valentine's Day is muddled. One belief is that a Priest by the name of Valentine was martyred due to refusal to give up Christianity. He was jailed and fell in love with the jailer's daughter. Legend has it that just before he died on February 14, he wrote his love a note and signed it "From Your Valentine."

The holiday is about romance and love and not about gifts and money. A poem written on a napkin, a hand drawn sketch or a song written by you would be priceless. If you picked a flower and simply looked at your lover and told them all the reasons that you love them - the reasons they make you smile - you will have wrapped their heart around your little finger for the price of a moment of deep thought.

Don't Forget the Kids!

I do not buy huge expensive gifts for my children on Valentines Day. I do buy them something fun and special that does say I love you - but I don't buy them gifts like it is Christmas. I get my kids fun things like stickers, art books, conversations hearts, maybe a Valentine's Day shirt or a small box of candy. I have even bought them little bouquets of flowers for their bedrooms which they love.

On Valentine's Day evening - I do love to make a very special dinner and I get out my special pink crystal water pitcher and matching etched glasses and china and we eat in the dining room! I try to make the table look beautiful with the use of fresh flowers, candles, plate chargers and I even add name placards and turn on the music. It makes the night fun for everyone and don't miss any opportunity to say "I love you" to your family.

Valentine&#039;s Day Poem Written In Haiku StyleHaiku is a Japanese poem that has a simple message. Usually three sentences that must have five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third line.

Incredible peanut butter chocolate molten lava brownie cakesLow-carb and not too sweet, these incredible peanut butter chocolate molten brownie cakes are easy to make. They are delicious warm or even cold the next day. The inside of the brownie cake is like a tasty fudgy or molten consistency depending on how

Comments 61 comments

hahaha :D Thats made my DAY!! Aqua Tainer, thats the best one ever. That is so funny and original, this is a gift with a difference.

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi Julz! Thank you so much - yeah I don't think that Captain Romance is gonna win any points for wrapping that gift up! haha!

Austinstar 4 years ago from Somewhere in the universe

I love that you spiff up the Valentine's day meal for the family! And buying flowers for the girl's rooms is something I would have truly cherished from my mom. What a great idea!

epigramman 4 years ago

......Hello my divine Miss K - I need to post this hub subject on my Facebook page with a direct link back here in order to get the proverbial ball rolling for the big day itself but that said Valentine's day really should be celebrated every day of the year with the love you love except on Sundays when there is NFL football - lol lol - love your heart dear colleague and your world class ability to communicate and make each one of us feel special - sending warm wishes to you from lake erie time ontario canada 10:50am

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada

I remember when I was younger I always wanted a promise ring and every Valentine's Day I would hope for one. Never did get one :(

Just Ask Susan 4 years ago from Ontario, Canada

I was thinking of your hub and just remembered something. My dad would always buy a large box of chocolates (Heart shaped) for my step-mother and a small one for me. I always thought it was so cool.

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi Lela - I love making the table all pretty. I got this beautiful wine or water carafe in pink glass - i got it at Pier 1 - not sure if you have those stores? Clearance! Lol. The girls love having flowers too:). I bought them each their own mini tree for their rooms during Xmas too - so cute! Lol

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi Epi - you got a good point - I know my husband would not want me to interrupt Sunday or Monday football for any other kind of passion:) haha. It's a good thing Valentines falls on a Tuesday this year!! Lol. Thanks so much!

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hey Susan - I never got one either! I had a little boyfriend once that gave me a brooch! Lmao I was like 10 and I broke up with him because it was an ugly brooch:) hahaha! His name was Chris Butler:) haha

It's not to late to get that promise ring - tell Al you have an unfulfilled wish!

My step dad used to do the same thing - he would always get me the little box of chocolates with 4 pieces and I would eat one half at a time to make them last:).

sholland10 4 years ago from Southwest Missouri

YOU DID IT!! :-) It is great! I received a promise ring in high school, and my heart nearly burst with love. Young love is so romantic.

I like your advice about men best. I'm married to a Good Ole Boy (who is the best, btw), he and could care less about gifts. As a matter of fact, "romantic" that he is, he has told me I won't get it right when I buy a gift. LOL He's right. But now, I know what I am going to do and it is because of you. A Lowes card!! He loves doing things around the house and that is his favorite store!

Voted up and across! I am sharing it, too! YOU ROCK!!

epigramman 4 years ago

...although I would drop (the) football for you ON ANY SUNDAY - lol lol lol

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Oh Susan - I bet you did as beautiful as you are - you probably got 10 promise rings!

I call my husband Captain Romance - cuz he ain't! Lol. So I just tell him a couple days in advance "Valentines is coming up don't screw it up I want Xxxxx". Then I follow it up with "they say romance is dead!" haha!

I think a Lowes Card is perfect for him! You could even go shopping with him to use it:-) lol. I have not decided what I'm getting him this year but I'm really working on it! I might get him a new briefcase and fill it with candies!

Thanks so much - I so hope you enjoy the sweetest day of the year:)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Epi - if you drop the ball - I'd just have to pick it up! Lmao! Haha!

I love football btw! I'm usually in a fantasy league and I do pretty good my friend:) lol

epigramman 4 years ago

....well I'm in a fantasy league here everytime I arrive here on your sacred scene of hub heaven - what happened by the way to Hub hoppers - why is it under another name?

sholland10 4 years ago from Southwest Missouri

Kelly, no, I didn't receive promise ring(s) in high school. LOL The class clown was not the most attractive for a girlfriend. LOL

Two boyfriends, and I married the last one. :-)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Epi - I don't think it is....there is another group that is just for slacking...shooting the breeze...sharing ideas...I added you - hope you don't mind:)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Susan - that's funny - I never dated boys from school either - I was the class clown - but I never did really bad stuff and funny - the principals and teachers liked me:) lol I worked for my principal 4th hour - and he was always giving me trouble!! LOL

Ruchira 4 years ago from United States

loved your tips and ideas, kelly.

Women would also not mind a gift certificate to the nail salon or spa :)

Thanks to victoria's hub...i plan on writing a haiku for my better half...lol

never thought about my kid though...might surprise him this year...thanks!

epigramman 4 years ago

....no not at all - you are a wonderful person, an esteemed colleague, a hub buddy, a beautiful woman inside and out and an essential writer here at the Hub so it's a thrill and honor to me - lake erie time 10:06pm

tlpoague 4 years ago from USA

This is a great hub full of ideas. My hubby isn't much of a romantic, so we have an on-going joke with a box of chocolate lips. Unfortunately it is getting harder and harder every year to find one. Hmm, maybe this year I should get him a chocolate fish? LOL!

mandymoreno81 4 years ago

I'm not sure most people would appreciate a promise ring, especially females. I think chocolate, flowers, and a nice dinner out or homecooked would suffice for most people :)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi Ruchira - I love the spa idea! Mani and Pedi gift certificates are always great too - hey even for the guys!

I used to have only Laurel who is 23 - so she was my special valentine until I started dating Dave when she was 4. We both liked him a lot though - so we let him in on the Valentines:) lol And David told Laurel he was the luckies guy ever because he had two Valentines! lol

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Thanks Epi - I oculd say almost the same about you - except I will call you handsome:) lol

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi Tip - Yeah my husband does really good on the holidays because I think he figures it gives him a pass for having to ever kiss my butt for no reason - he does it on the required days! LOL

Chocolate will be loved no matter what shape it is given in!

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi Mandy - Yeah not most people true - but I figure the kind of people who are searching online for special gift ideas may be the type:) lol I disagree though - I think ladies secretly would love a ring that is a promise of love from the object of her affection.

I think chocolate, flowers and a nice dinner out are what most people do get:) Thanks so much for your comments!

drbj 4 years ago from south Florida

A promise ring? Now, that's a clever gift, Kelly. How about sending someone a free ecard promising that person a promise ring. Would that be considered a real gift? Just askin'.

If you wanna send mean Valenine cards to people you hate, here's some - " Funny Valentines for People You Hate." What a coincidence!

craftarrific 4 years ago from California

Great hub! I like how you addressed people at varying levels of relationship status from dating to married! Very clever! I never thought about getting my hubby tickets to an event. I'm kindda broke this year...but maybe next year!

Ruchira 4 years ago from United States

Wow, Kelly, that is such a sweet dialogue from Dave.

wishing you 5 many many years of happiness...cheers!

tammyswallow 4 years ago from North Carolina

Excellent suggestions! I never got a promise ring either. LOL. Very festive and fun ideas. I will give these a try!

Cagsil 4 years ago from USA or America

Hey RealHousewife, I guess I get off cheap since I don't have a relationship that requires me to buy anything for someone. LOL! However, as per usual, my mother will receive her roses which I buy her every year. :) This was a really cool hub. :) Voted up and I certainly hope your readers listen to you. :) LOL! :)

Alastar Packer 4 years ago from North Carolina

Hey Kelly, I had that Rolling Stones album with the real zipper, only so many were pressed, they're kinda rare now. Like the broke idea gifts, the poem on the napkin sounds good, maybe theres a poet on HP writing poems on the side for Valentine's Day.:)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Funny Drbj - my dad used to laugh about promise rings - he said a promise means nothing! Lol. He thought all girls should date for 6 months and get married and suffer for ever more:) lol.

I always wanted to invent fortune cookies that said real mean stuff :) haha! I know it's terrible but it would be funny! Wouldn't you have to laugh if you got a fortune cookie that said something like "give it up - you'll always be a loser" LOL. I know - stuff's wrong with me:) haha!

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Thanks Craftarrific - you could still write him a lovely poem about how you might buy him tickets next year - on the back of a napkin? LOL. Just kidding - well I wish you a prosperous 2012 so you can get some tickets for the both of you next year:)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi Ruchira! I tell you my Dave is one in a gazillion! My mother says he puts up with two kinds of he'll no man should ever have to experience with me being his wife:) LOL.

I wish you many years of prosperity and happiness gorgeous:)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hey Tammy! I love buying gifts! So much fun to pick just the right thing:). I always try to come up with something clever and different...but after 18 years together - it gets harder each year:) lol. Thank you so much and I hope you have a super Valentine's:)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

I always say Ray - it ain't easy being easy:) lol. That is so kind of you to get your mom roses - I really like a guy who treats his mom with the utmost respect and kindness. It is one of the things I noticed about Dave - he is very attentive to his mom. Gotta love it:)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Alastar - that is really cool - my husband wanted Wild Horses to be our wedding song:). How could I deny that? I thought it was SO sweet he thought of that! Stones are his all time favs - he says wasn't that one called "Sricky Fingers"??

Alastar Packer 4 years ago from North Carolina

Yep, Sticky Fingers it is. The only Stones album I ever bought. Got some great tunes like Bitch, Brown Sugar, Can't You Hear Me Knockin', Sister Morphine, and of course Wild Horses.

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Yep:) that's the one! Dave used to have to wear a tie every day to work so I bought him fun ones - I got him one with the falling tongues on it - everyone knew exactly who it represented:) lol. They were the coolest but ole Tyler isn't looking so good anymore:)

mythicalstorm273 4 years ago

I must say that this is the first time I've ever read something of yours that I actually disagreed with! It was still entertaining and fun as well as well written, but if you don't mind I will explain why I disagree. First off I believe promise rings are ONE OF THE WORST gifts a guy can give a girl!! Okay really that is all I disagree with. lol. The rest was very well done. As for the promise ring... in some situations it works, but way too many times I have seen it fall to disaster because it is a 'promise' ring instead of an 'engagement' ring. I have seen girls who started planning their wedding after receiving one, I have seen girls who expected an engagement ring very quickly afterwards and were more and more discontent with the promise of a future. My opinion is that if you are not ready... wait! Be honest with her about not being ready and she will respect you for it better in the long run. Of all the girls I have known that have received promise rings (which is a very popular thing to do right now so I know A LOT OF GIRLS who have) I think only 1 maybe 2 of them actually turned into a proposal... and of those 1 maybe 2, none actually ended up married. A promise ring to me always reminded me of a 'here's a damn ring, so shut up and be happy' type of compromise. It never seems to work! Also guys give them a lot easier and way before they should because it isn't set in stone... I have seen some girls who were with a guy for 1 month and they would receive a promise ring from him... less than a month later they were broken up. Although, the idea behind a promise ring does sound good, too many people use it wrongly and it has gained an ill reputation. At least with many people that I have talked to about it! Anyways... I voted up and everything because you did a great job as always. Just had to get that out there because I have always disagreed with the idea of giving promise rings! lol.

barbergirl28 4 years ago from Hemet, Ca

I love this... after all Valentines Day is really about the thought and the expression of love... oh how am I kidding... I want a damn gift from Eli! LOL I usually try to get him a gift - I like getting him some Valentine's Day boxers. It started out as a joke and now it is tradition. But yes - this holiday is truly a reason to say I love you to everybody in your family... yet you shouldn't need a day or a reason to say that. Great hub! Voted up and awesome cause that is truly what it is!

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hey Myth - I love that you can disagree so nicely:) lol I kind of see the promise ring as a younger generation thing - like sweet 16 or something:) I should have made that a little more clear and because kids are too young to really get married.

I also think the promise ring is really misunderstood - the meaning of it - is what the two people decided when it is given. For instace - it could be like a commitment to each other ring type thing - or it could be a promise to go steady - but it is at the discretion of the lovers I suppose:) lol I am sure not all people like them for various reasons though and I sure do not mind hearing other opinions. We all have a right to our our tasts after all! lol

You are a great commenter too - because you say what you think - I LOVE that! It's also a great character trait:)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Thanks BBG:) I agree - it is all about that romantic stuff. And getting a gift is fun - who doesn't like a present? lol Also - to me - it is one day a year that you can go out of your way to show someone you care about them - if you can't do it all year long then dammit do it for a day! lol

I usually get Dave a gift - I even sent him flowers to his office before:) haha! Secretly I think he liked it!

mythicalstorm273 4 years ago

RHW: Yes I understand that it is more for the younger kids, but even then... too many girls I knew were discontent with it. One girl I know literally wore her 'promise' ring from 14 through 18 because "they were too young to get engaged." The day after her 18th birthday her boyfriend broke up with her because now that they were 'old' enough he decided he didn't want to marry her. The 'promise' ring kept her happy but he knew that it wouldn't last and he didn't want to deal with it. I guess the reason I am against them is because too many people use them as 'pre-engagement' rings. If they are used the way they are meant to be use... as a promise to stay together or whatever, then I am not against them. The problem is that 16 year olds shouldn't be thinking about getting married and these promise rings become pre-engagement rings and the girls start planning their life around the promise of an engagement. I have seen too many girls who ended up not going to school because they felt like they had a family to start, or girls who had no plans after school because they figured by then their boy would be ready to marry them and life would be great. This almost never happens. The girls then end up confused and wondering what to do with their life because it did not go the way it was supposed to. I understand that you can love at 16 (heck I was there!) but something like a promise ring just seems to bring more disaster to young girls then good.

Anyways... Obviously this is a hot topic for me. I have seen friends who really got hurt because of the stupid promise ring. They fell harder and stopped listening to reason. So it irritates me in one of the worst ways, but now I am done talking about that. We have happier thoughts to think about! Once again I really enjoyed your hub! Especially the history behind V-day... too many people just think of it as a hallmark holiday now! lol.

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Aren't most holidays created by Hallmark? Lol

Good point - I agree girls are way to young to think of marriage at 16:) I wouldn't have wanted my daughter thinking about that! And I see parents that are pushing their kids to grow up - I do not understand that. Like some of my kids friends are wearing make-up in 5th grade! I just do not - Ew I hate it! Seeing a little girl in elementary school with mascara and eye liner? Wow! I do let Maddy play with it at home but she can't wear it outside or to school. She thinks I'm mean! Lol

I think all girls should never have families too young - not until after they have seen the world first and can handle that much responsibility! Man kids are having kids younger than ever - it's really sad. It creates a whole new set of social problems too. I do see why you feel that way and you've made lots of great points! So yeah - x the promise ring! Lol j/k

tammyswallow 4 years ago from North Carolina

Congratulations on this great hub. It is almost at the top of the hottest hubs!

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hey Tammy! Thanks a bunch:) so funny which ones do so well - I should save all my research and do holiday hubs! Lol. I do think these are really fun though because I do love gift shopping!

Ardie 4 years ago from Neverland

Aaw, I buy Valentine's gifts for my kids too :) my litlest keeps reminding me that I said I would be her Valentine - as if I could ever forget! Great Hub RHW :)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Thank you so much Ardie:) My girls are my little Valentines - I was shopping for gifts already and got them little purses and tins with cookies and a little cheap jewelry and I filled the little purses:) haha! They will love them.

I wish you the happiest Valentines with your family that you have ever had! I am so excited for that day:)

USAFGrunt 4 years ago from Riverside, CA

Wow! This was just the article I needed to read! I've been struggling with what to get my man for V-day because he has so many interests: Anime, cars, shooting games, the USMC...now I actually have some ideas haha great job :)

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi USAF! I was just telling Barbergirl about you! haha! We are both so excited to see you here:)

Thanks so much - I love holidays and buying presents! I like getting them pretty much too:) haha! Have a great day and I will be looking out for you! Go girl!

marellen 4 years ago

Hi Real...Its all about love, friendship and romance. Its a time to show your love for someone and like you wrote it doesn't need to be something huge. I always liked receiving something that had some thought to it but flowers always was a winner. I love how you celebrate Valentines Day in your home. Sounds so special.

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi Marellen! Thank you - it is a holiday about love and romance and I love that! lol I love the smell of fresh cut flowers - especially carnations. I am so excited for the day to get here - I like haveing the big dinner with the table all fixed up! This year I am going to serve the girls apple juice in champagne flutes:) I think they will enjoy that!

Sharyn's Slant 4 years ago from Northeast Ohio USA

Kelly ~ I love your take on what is a "perfect" Valentine's Day gift. These are awesome ideas. I love the advice you give too. Totally makes sense. I would like to be at your dinner, sounds really special!

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Sharyn! I wish you could come to the dinner! That would be a hoot! I'd even get you a box a candy! Lol. Thank you!

MP50 4 years ago

Hey RealHousewife, love your ideas and advice will take it all onboard for the special day.

Thank You so much for sharing.

fli8uk 4 years ago from Pakistan

amazing advise for valentine couples I like it

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi MP50 - thank you very much and I hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day!

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

Hi fli8uk! Thank you! I hope I chose good stuff this year and I'll find out tomorrow:) lol. I bought lobster tails, crab legs and steak for tomorrow for the family - I'm really looking forward to it:). I hooe you have a great Valentines too!

fli8uk 4 years ago from Pakistan

Thanks dear

RealHousewife 4 years ago from St. Louis, MO Author

You're welcome! It's here! Lol. So far everyone likes their gifts on the home front:) have a great day!!